2004 KIA AMANTI NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Kia Amanti?
Kia hopes that the new 2004 Amanti not only draws more affluent consumers to the company’s showrooms but also enhances its brand image. To take on the Buick LeSabre, Chrysler Concorde and Toyota Avalon, Kia endows the Amanti with a full load of standard equipment, including power windows with one-touch up and down operation, power door locks with keyless entry, power mirrors, an eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and dual-zone climate control. Four-wheel-disc ABS with electronic brake force distribution is standard, along with a system of eight airbags. Front airbags are “smart,” meaning that they measure impact severity, occupant presence and whether the seatbelt is buckled before deploying. Side-impact airbags are standard for front and rear occupants, and side curtain airbags protect passengers in both rows of seats. Active head restraints aim to reduce whiplash injury in the event of a rear impact. Driving the 2004 Kia Amanti’s front wheels is a 195-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a Sportmatic five-speed, manually interactive automatic transmission. This powertrain is covered by an impressive ten-year/100,000-mile warranty. The Kia Amanti’s two-ton curb weight rides on a four-wheel-independent suspension employing double wishbones in front and a multi-link setup in back, with 16-inch alloy wheels and 225/60 tires gripping the pavement. Inside, fake wood trim and chrome accents add visual flair, and Kia strived to make the Amanti’s interior quiet. Base price is between $25,000 and $26,000, and three option packages are offered. The Leather package includes a 225-watt Infinity sound system with six-disc in-dash CD changer, the Convenience package adds a power sunroof and heated front seats, and the ESP package provides traction control, stability control and brake assist. Fully equipped, the 2004 Kia Amanti runs less than $29,000.

Advantages of the 2004 Kia Amanti:

• Excellent powertrain warranty
• Plethora of standard and optional safety systems
• Roomy interior
• Compelling value equation

Objections to the 2004 Kia Amanti:

• Engine needs more power
• Americans may not be prepared to spend this kind of money on a Kia

Editor's Advice:
With the 2004 Kia Amanti, the South Korean automaker is entering the premium large car segment with a nicely tailored and roomy sedan that offers plenty of standard and optional equipment for what appears to be a relative bargain. This is a car designed to appeal to Middle America: it’s roomy, soft, quiet and loaded with equipment for a price south of $30,000. The Amanti even looks upscale, except for the unfortunate grille. And it comes with an outstanding powertrain warranty. Though it’s a bit underpowered and Kia quality is still a big question mark according to J.D. Power & Associates, you might want to have a look at the 2004 Kia Amanti if you’re also shopping for a Buick LeSabre, Chrysler Concorde, Mercury Grand Marquis or Toyota Avalon.